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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 18, 2018 10:26 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESGermany - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in Germany.3. SECURITYCrimeViolent crime is low. However, numerous incidents of muggings and sexual assaults have occurred during large gatherings in Cologne and other German cities, most notably on December 31, 2015. Exercise normal security precautions and be particularly vigilant if attending events drawing large crowds.Petty crime (pickpocketing and purse snatching) occurs in major cities and train stations, airports and Christmas markets.Pickpockets often work in teams and target people on trains and at railway stations and airports. Their methods include distracting a victim who is boarding or exiting a train or surrounding a victim in line-ups or at check-in counters.There have been reports of individuals being harassed or attacked for reasons of race or foreign-looking appearance.Arson attacks on parked vehicles have occurred.TerrorismThere is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. In Germany, previous incidents have resulted in injury and death. They include random violent assaults in public areas and a truck driven into crowds at a Christmas market in Berlin. Further attacks in Europe are likely.Targets could include:government buildings, including schoolsplaces of worshipairports and other transportation hubs and networkspublic areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreignersAlways be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.The Government of Germany maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Alert level changes are communicated through local media.More information about public security - Germany's Federal Ministry of the InteriorDemonstrationsDemonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.Strikes may occasionally interfere with mail, telephone, transportation and other services.Road safetyRoads and public transportation are excellent.Bicycles are numerous throughout the country and often have dedicated pathways between sidewalks and roadways. You should exercise caution when crossing these paths, as bicycles have right of way.Dial 110 in the event of a traffic accident.Public TransportationRail service is widely available and reliable.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesGeneral safety InformationExercise normal security precautions. Ensure that personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times.There has been a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe. Some countries have already experienced disruptions to transportation services, including at ferry ports and railway stations, and have seen major delays at border crossings. The situation also heightens the potential for demonstrations that could turn violent without warning, particularly at railway stations and other transportation hubs. If you are travelling in the region, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities, and contact your transport carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the German authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.If you intend to reside in Germany for three months or more, you must register with the German authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt) within seven days of your entry into the country.Latest information on German immigration law and regulations - German Federal ministry of interior.Schengen area Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.General information about the Schengen areaForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaPassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsTemporary border controlsThe German government has reintroduced internal border controls at certain border crossings. Canadians may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering Germany, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.VisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*Student visa: Required* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.Extension of tourist visits longer than 90 days is not possible; you must apply for a residence permit and provide a valid reason. If you must stay beyond the 90-day limit unexpectedly (for example, due to illness), contact the Foreigners Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) in the district in which you are staying for information on how to legalize your extended stay. Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesGood medical care is widely available. A hospital stay or medical treatment is expensive, and immediate cash payment is often expected. German hospitals do not generally issue the detailed breakdown of expenses that is usually required by Canadian insurance companies, but you may request a detailed bill from the hospital or the doctor.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Canada and Germany are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Germany to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and German authorities.IdentificationCarry adequate identification at all times, such as a passport or residence permit, as police have the right to ask to see it. Keep a photocopy of your passport, in case it is lost or seized.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in Germany.If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Germany, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.General information for travellers with dual citizenshipIllegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.Illegal activitiesUsing or displaying Nazi symbols or material, such as flags or memorabilia, is illegal.DrivingYou must be at least 18 years old to drive a vehicle in Germany. An International Driving Permit is recommended.A Canadian driver's licence can be used for a maximum of six months. After six months, your Canadian licence must be exchanged for a German one. Allow up to six weeks for German authorities to exchange the licence.You must always carry your driver's licence, insurance and vehicle documents, as well as written permission from the registered owner if the vehicle does not belong to you.Observe traffic laws and regulations, particularly rights-of-way and speed limits. Much of the autobahn network authorizes much higher speeds than normally allowed in Canada. Exercise caution.The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device.Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, and driver's licences may be confiscated immediately.Additional information regarding road safety can be found on the European Commission's website.MoneyThe currency of Germany is the euro (EUR).Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at most banks and some shops. Credit cards are widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants. Automated banking machines are widely available.When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU country sites, visit the European Commission's cash controls website.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATETemperatures can be lower at high altitudes in the Alps.There is a possibility of flooding in spring and summer. Exercise caution, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

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